Help on standby as Ilkley coronavirus cases rise

Ilkley's Coronavirus Response Group says it is ready to help the local community again if a second wave of the virus hits the town badly.

The group was merged into the Ilkley Community Network last month after scaling back operations. From March this year it had been providing a helpline and matching volunteers with local people to help with things including shopping, collecting prescriptions, co-ordinating PPE and providing advice and support.

The latest data for 18th to 24th September shows there were 15 positive Covid-19 test results of people living in the Ilkley and Ben Rhydding area, with a further 4 in Burley-in-Wharfedale, plus 4 in Menston & Burley Moor and 3 in Addingham & Ilkley Moor.

In Silsden and Steeton there were 20 confirmed coronavirus cases in the 7-day period.

Speaking on behalf of the Ilkley Coronavirus Response Group, Ilkley Town Mayor Councillor Mark Stidworthy says: "Developments with COVID-19 over the last few weeks are a source of disappointment to all of us in Ilkley, and many are anxious and inconvenienced again as a second wave of the virus impacts on our daily lives. It may be difficult to stay optimistic. After several months when Ilkley and neighbouring Wharfedale have been fortunate to have few cases of the virus, we should be in no doubt that the virus is once again circulating here, with a significant rise in cases over recent weeks.

"If we feel dispirited as the pandemic extends into the foreseeable future, I hope we can reflect with pride on everything we have achieved as a community so far, and use this as a springboard to renew our commitment and enthusiasm to make the best of the months ahead. We must continue to take individual responsibility for the collective welfare and safety of everybody in our town. Ilkley’s care homes suffered badly in the first wave of the pandemic, and as a town we have many people in at-risk groups.

"The community response and the respect that Ilkley’s citizens showed for one another in sticking to the rules during the first lockdown were exemplary. I hope that all of us will work to understand and respect the isolation and social distancing regulations, dowload the NHS Test and Trace app and take every step we can in the months ahead to care for the needs of others, protect the NHS, keep our schools open and support our local economy."

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